Army defuses 227kg WWII-era bomb near Jamshedpur in high-risk controlled operation

A high-risk bomb disposal operation was successfully carried out by the Indian Army after a 227kg World War II-era bomb was discovered in the Subarnarekha River near Jamshedpur. The device, identified as a US-made AN-M64 bomb, was safely neutralised through controlled detonations under strict security measures, preventing any potential disaster.

The operation was conducted in the Baharagora block area after authorities evacuated residents within a one-kilometre radius to ensure public safety. Army experts carried out two controlled blasts, first at 12:22 PM and the second at 1:22 PM, successfully neutralising the highly sensitive explosive without causing damage to nearby areas.

The bomb was initially discovered by local fishermen on March 17, who noticed a suspicious, heavy cylindrical object while fishing in the river. Upon inspection, it was identified as a wartime explosive, triggering panic and prompting immediate intervention by security agencies. Given the bomb’s age and unstable condition, the disposal process required extreme caution and technical precision.

To minimise the impact of the blast, the bomb disposal team adopted a strategic approach by digging a deep pit along the riverbank and placing the ordnance inside before detonation. The operation was closely monitored using drones and advanced surveillance systems, while police, fire services, and disaster response teams remained on standby, ensuring a coordinated and incident-free mission.